James E. "Jim" Lantz

Rev. James E. “Jim” Lantz was born January 5, 1931 at Methodist Hospital in Fort Wayne, IN and his earthly life ended on Nov. 24, 2021 in Goshen, IN. He was the first child of Henry E. Lantz and Esther C. Lantz. He lived the first eighteen years of his life in Leo, IN as part of a large extended family of mom, dad, sister and numerous Lantz uncles, aunts and cousins. He graduated from Leo High School. He then graduated from Taylor University with a B.A. degree and then Garrett Theological Seminary at Northwestern University with a Master’s of Divinity. He was ordained a Deacon and Elder in the Methodist Church and served 43 years as a local church pastor.

In 1953, he married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Steiner, and they shared life together for 64 years. In 1993, they both retired and moved to Syracuse, IN where they lived for a wonderful 19 years. In retirement, he spent his time reading, working in his woodshop, enjoying his family, teaching a large high school Sunday school class, serving as a volunteer academic mentor at Syracuse Elementary School for 22 years, traveling with Marilyn, and spending time on St. Simons Island, GA. In 2012, they moved to independent living at Greencroft in Goshen.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife, Marilyn and sister Phyllis Morrical. He is survived by sons, Steve (Sheri) Lantz of Anderson, IN, Bill (Kathy) Lantz of Syracuse, IN and daughter, Rev. Ann (Agnes) Lantz of Estes Park, CO, grandchildren Rev. Christopher (Rev. Andrea) Lantz of Huntington, IN, Brian Lantz of New York City, Meghan (Jeff) Sindelar of Minot, ND, and Bradley (Emily) Lantz of Noblesville, IN. Also surviving are great-grandchildren, Madeleine Lantz, Dorian Sindelar, Charlie Lantz, Isaac Lantz, Nathaniel Lantz, and Eleanor Lantz.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Owen Family Funeral Home, 1001 S. Huntington St., Syracuse., IN. A celebration of Jim’s life will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 3, 2021 at Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN. Private burial will take place at a later date.

Preferred memorials may be given to the United Methodist Committee of Relief through Calvary United Methodist Church, 801 S. Huntington St., Syracuse, IN 46567, Goshen Home Care & Hospice, 1147 Professional Dr., Goshen, IN 46526, or Estes Park United Methodist Church, 1509 Fish Hatchery Rd., Estes Park, CO 80517.